LICA 100

When taking Design at Lancaster or any LICA subject for that matter you take a unit called LICA 100 – Modernism in the Arts. This covers all the arts, design, fine art, film and theatre. It is like the history of art, as you look at different movements throughout history. This is a good opportunity to allow you to broaden your knowledge across the arts. This is interesting as you see how different time periods affect different sections of the arts, or how closely linked they are to each other.

This unit covers such an extensive time period; in one of the two week’s lectures you get a whirlwind tour of a different time period or movement, such as World War II, relation and influence on the arts.  Then in the second, you get a more in-depth view, into say how theatre was affected during these war years, or about the design movement Bauhaus in Germany. So, not only are you learning more about events that have influenced design, you are learning about the way these movements are linked. I found this can be very useful, as you consider their relationship when talking about design. It is quite challenging also as it pushes you out of your comfort zone. I personally have never studied theatre or music in depth, but now I have had the opportunity to do so. It can be challenging and you do have to work hard in order to truly understand.

At the start of this unit we talked about what ‘The Arts’ means and whether all the arts are individual disciplines or all one of the same. I felt to begin with I was very much convinced that they were all very different, as how could you say for example, theatre and design or music and fine art are the same? Well, they may not be the same, but they are very much interlinked. I personally have enjoyed this discovery and constantly find my view of this subject to change, because I find I learn something new that will sway my view.

While taking LICA 100 we have a weekly seminar with a mix of people taking this course. This is a unique opportunity to work with people from a range of subjects, while all having a common interest. During these seminars we look at the week’s lectures and discuss them in greater detail, sometime we have debates about topics we have covered. Recently we talked about whether computers can create art, and therefore what defines art. This was a very interesting topic that everyone got involved in, some with very strong views on the matter. I find that taking LICA 100 has given me a wider appreciation for the arts as a whole.